CRC bill signing; kids on ATVs: Oregon Legislature today

Gov. John Kitzhaber will sign the bill that provides state financing to replace the I-5 b bridge over the Columbia River.Jamie Francis/The Oregonian

SALEM -- Despite an ongoing barrage of criticism, Gov. John Kitzhaber and a gathering of state lawmakers will celebrate the Legislature's commitment to the Columbia River Crossing on Tuesday morning with a ceremonial bill signing.

Kitzhaber is scheduled to sign House Bill 2800 at 9:45 a.m. in his office on the second floor of the state Capitol. In a news release announcing the ceremony, Kitzhaber said replacing the Interstate 5 bridge, and other related construction, "is an important step forward for our state and the Pacific Northwest economy."

The bill authorizes the state to borrow up to $450 million to pay its share of the projected $3.4 billion construction cost. Washington would have to pony up a like amount, and the rest would be covered by the federal government.

Critics say the bridge is too expensive and won't relieve congestion as promised.

Here are some other highlights coming up Tuesday: Tykes on ATVs: The Senate will take up Senate Bill 238, which would allow children under 7 to operate motorcycles on public lands under certain conditions.

Money for schools: The K-12 budget gets its first public hearing before the Education Subcommittee of Joint Ways and Means.

Supermajority: Two proposals, House Joint Resolutions 10 and 14, aimed at ending the three-fifths majority requirement to raise taxes get hearings in the House Revenue Committee. The committee also will hear a proposal to increase cigarette taxes, House Bill 2275.